Africa Facing Serious, Evolving Security Threats – Matawalle

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has raised alarm over the growing security challenges across Africa, stressing the need for digital solutions and stronger continental cooperation.

Speaking at the opening of the Africa Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference in Abuja on Monday, Matawalle — who represented Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar — said Africa faces “serious, complex, transnational, and asymmetric” threats.

“Africa’s security must be driven by Africa’s solutions, leadership, and unity,” he declared.

Key Points:

Nigeria has played a leading role in peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and humanitarian missions across Africa.

African nations must invest in modern technologies like AI, cyberdefence, and indigenous military innovation.

Cooperation is vital: “No single country can scale the continent alone. We must share intelligence and build trust.”

Terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, ISWAP, Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab remain major threats.

Matawalle emphasized that the future of warfare is digital, urging defence leaders to strengthen partnerships that uphold peace, development, and democratic values.

#AfricaSecurity #Nigeria #Defence #Matawalle #Terrorism #AI #CyberDefence #PeaceAndSecurity

UPDATED: NSA Confirms Arrest of Two Ansaru Leaders

National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has confirmed the arrest of two top leaders of the Ansaru terrorist group, describing it as a major breakthrough in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.

The suspects were identified as Mahmud Muhammad Usman (aka Abu Bara’a), Ansaru’s self-styled Emir, and Mahmud al-Nigeri (aka Mallam Mamuda), his deputy and head of the “Mahmudawa” cell.

According to Ribadu, the two men masterminded multiple terrorist attacks, high-profile kidnappings, and the 2022 Kuje jailbreak. Mamuda, who trained in Libya under foreign jihadists, was also linked to IED production.

The NSA said their operations included the abduction of French engineer Francis Collomp (2013), the kidnapping of Magajin Garin Daura, Musa Umar Uba (2019), and attacks on civilians, security forces, and critical infrastructure.

Ribadu noted that the arrests had “effectively dismantled” Ansaru’s central command, calling it the group’s most significant setback since its emergence in 2012 as a Boko Haram splinter.

Tags: #Nigeria #NSA #NuhuRibadu #Ansaru #Terrorism #Security #BreakingNews

Feared Terror Commander Captured In Agadez By Nigerien Forces.

In a significant victory for counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region, Nigerien security forces have captured one of the most notorious terrorist figures in northern Niger. The suspect, identified as Barhadine Mehdoune, was apprehended during a military operation in the Agadez region, a known hotspot for insurgent activity.


Mehdoune, a former officer in the Libyan military, had long been on the radar of regional intelligence agencies. After deserting the Libyan army with a cadre of loyal combatants, he established a violent presence across the porous desert borderlands, launching attacks that devastated remote communities and disrupted local governance. Security sources describe him as a key figure in the transnational terror networks that operate between Libya, Niger, and Mali.

According to military officials involved in the operation, Mehdoune was captured while attempting to traverse the Agadez region in a convoy of armed fighters. In a bid to avoid detection, he presented false identification and claimed to be Aboubacar Boudour Balla, a civilian driver. However, his efforts to conceal his identity were thwarted by vigilant soldiers who had been briefed with updated intelligence reports and facial recognition photographs.

“We had his file, his movements were being tracked, and when the moment came, our forces acted swiftly,” said one senior officer familiar with the case. “He attempted to mislead us, but the disguise didn’t hold up under scrutiny.”

No resistance was reported during the arrest, and Mehdoune is now in custody. Authorities have confirmed that he is being interrogated at a secure location, with hopes that his capture will yield critical intelligence on terror cells operating across Niger’s northern frontiers.

Military analysts say Mehdoune’s arrest marks a major setback for extremist elements in the region and a morale boost for Niger’s armed forces. The Agadez region, long plagued by insurgency, arms trafficking, and migrant smuggling, has been a focal point of joint regional security initiatives.

While details about the exact nature of the security sweep remain classified, officials hinted that more arrests may follow as the military capitalizes on momentum gained from Mehdoune’s capture. His detention is also expected to facilitate ongoing investigations into cross-border terrorism, illicit arms flows, and radicalization networks in the central Sahara.

Regional observers say Mehdoune’s arrest may prompt retaliation from affiliated militant groups, and the Nigerien government is reportedly tightening security measures around critical infrastructure and urban centers

Major Blow to Boko Haram: Nigerian Army Eliminates Top Commander Abu Fatima

In a significant counterterrorism victory, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of Amir Abu Fatima, a high-ranking Boko Haram commander, during a precision operation in northern Borno State. The operation, conducted in the early hours of May 30, 2025, targeted insurgent hideouts in the Kukawa area, a known stronghold of terrorist activities near Lake Chad. 

According to a statement from the Nigerian Army, the elite 19 Brigade Special Forces, operating under Sector 3 of Operation Hadin Kai, executed a “precision decapitation strike” aimed at neutralizing Abu Fatima, who had been on the military’s most-wanted list due to his involvement in orchestrating multiple high-profile attacks in the Lake Chad Basin. During the operation, Abu Fatima sustained critical gunshot wounds and was captured alive but succumbed to his injuries shortly after. 

The operation also led to the neutralization of several of his associates, including bomb-makers and foot soldiers. Recovered items from the scene include AK-47 rifles, loaded magazines, components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and other military-grade weapons. 

This successful mission marks a significant tactical and psychological blow to Boko Haram’s operations in the region, signaling the Nigerian military’s continued commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace to northeastern Nigeria. 

#BokoHaram #AbuFatima #NigerianArmy #CounterTerrorism #BornoState

Victory in the North: Nigerian Army Eliminates Notorious Terrorist Leader Amir Abu Fatima

In a major win against insurgency, the Nigerian Army has confirmed the elimination of Amir Abu Fatima, a top terrorist commander, during a successful special operation in northern Borno State.

According to Daily Post Nigeria, the high-value operation was carried out with precision intelligence and combat coordination, marking a significant blow to terrorist networks operating in the region. Abu Fatima had long been on the military’s radar for orchestrating deadly attacks on both civilians and military personnel.

The Army reaffirmed its commitment to rooting out all forms of terrorism and ensuring lasting peace in the northeast. This latest success has sparked hope for continued progress in the fight against extremism in Nigeria.

According to: Daily Post Nigeria

#AmirAbuFatima #NigerianArmy #BornoState #CounterTerrorism #NigeriaSecurity